Female bee-eaters look like males but have greener scapulars and backs and paler throats and breаsts. Adult European bee-eaters have red eyes, whereas juveniles have brown eyes.

These birds breed throughout southern and central Europe, northern and southern Africa, and Asia. Some live in South Africa, but most winter in tropical Africa. European bee-eaters enjoy river valleys, agricultural areas with trees, meadows, plains, and shrub-filled semi-deserts. They eat insects, primarily bees, but also wasps, locusts, and dragonflies, while flying.

European bee-eaters build a nest with their lifelong spouse in sandy banks or cliff-top soil during breeding season, occasionally with help from previous offspring. Females lay 4–6 eggs from April to July in the northern hemisphere or October to November in South Africa. 

Up to 20 days, both parents incubate the eggs, with the female taking the night shift. Fledge occurs one month after hatching.

While considered a pest, the European bee-eater is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. See the video below for a visual representation of this. Note that the photographs in this article are the sole property of the photographers, unless tagged as Public Domain. Before using photos, read the permission or contact the photographers. Thanks for reading about this amazing bird!

“The European bee-eater, Merops apiaster, is a brightly colored bird that draws attention. Its vivid yellow throat, em-like wing, and fiery red back are impressive. Male bee-eaters have brown-capped beaks with a bright yellow front and a black eye band that extends to the neck during breeding season. Its green-blue plumage continues to the tail and has elongated center feathers. Its vivid yellow patch, flanked by a black band, is below the bill.